Speech Apraxia Is Best Treated at Early Ages

There are two types of speech apraxia, acquired and developmental. Acquired speech apraxia happens regardless of a person’s age, while people have developmental speech apraxia since birth. Children with this condition are often able to understand speech far more capably than they can speak words, as speech apraxia means that there is a communication gap between the brain and speech-producing parts such as the tongue, lips or jaw. As with many conditions, earlier detection often leads to better treatment outcomes.

Success, Not Failure

The fear of failure can be a huge inhibitor, hurting children socially, emotionally and mentally. When speech apraxia treatment begins at a young age, there are fewer occurrences that set children up for failure. Instead, children work with their families and with professionals to take proactive steps toward empowerment. Successes may be in small doses at first, but at least the child better understands the situation and does experience some measure of success. Also contributing to success is the fact that treatment can prevent bad habits from making even deeper roots.

Increased Communication

Being able to communicate at any age is a good thing, and with speech therapy for apraxia, affected children are able to communicate better and earlier than they would otherwise have. For example, they (and their families) may learn sign language or use portable computers to enhance their language skills. As time goes on, children can expand their lessons on oral communication to vary pitch and loudness, for example, or to incorporate more syllables.

Family Relationships

When just one member of a family is frustrated, the frustration can have a ripple effect. With speech apraxia, children may be frustrated along with their parents. This frustration can multiply and spread to siblings. Early intervention serves to nip this frustration in the bud before it wreaks excessive damage, and it can even help families bond and increase members’ support of one another.

When dealing with children, communication should always be a main concern. Treating speech apraxia at early ages gives children tools for communication, helps them realize successes and strengthens family relationships. Families can work to take control of the apraxia rather than the apraxia controlling the child.